Chelsea have considered making an approach for Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Writing in his Substack column, Phillips said that he hasn’t managed to confirm the information with a second source but it is “one to keep an eye on” as we head towards the final few days of the transfer window.

The Blues are in the market for someone like Smith Rowe, who can play both as a n0.10 and on the wing. The injuries to Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka mean bringing in another playmaker has become a priority.

However, after losing out on Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, it is also felt that the London club need another wide player. Smith Rowe could kill two birds with one stone.

Would Arsenal sell Smith Rowe?

Considering the England international is one of the Gunners’ brightest young talents, you wouldn’t have thought that Mikel Arteta’s side would be willing to offload the player.

However, they do need to balance the books and there is a belief that they could do with the funds to finance one final transfer ahead of the transfer deadline.

Is Smith Rowe interested in coming to Chelsea?

Smith Rowe has barely got a look in so far this campaign, being an unused substitute in Arsenal’s first three league matches. His only minutes came in the Community Shield against Manchester City and even that was a brief cameo appearance.

The 23-year-old was a key player during the 2021/22 season, scoring 11 goals in 37 appearances, but injuries and competition for places have led to him becoming a peripheral figure. He spent the second half of last campaign sitting on the bench and he is clearly desperate for more game time. For that reason, there is a chance that he would be open to making the move to Stamford Bridge.